Sudin manages to calm irked villagers

PANAJI: The 30 residents of Agasaim, who called on PWD minister Ramakrishna Dhavalikar alias Sudin on Thursday as their houses are likely to be demolished for construction of the new Zuari bridge, expressed their satisfaction at the government’s compensation package offered to them.
The authorities will have to raze houses and some other structures before acquiring land for the project.
“We’re happy with the compensation being offered and will support the bridge project provided the government sticks to its assurance and doesn’t go back on its word,” Romaldo Gonsalves, one of the affected residents from Agasaim, told TOI.
“We were not opposing the bridge. We only wanted to know what compensation we will get and what will happen to those whose houses will be demolished. Our only prayer now is that the government keeps its word,” Vinay Verlekar, another citizen said.
Afonso said the locals’ concerns were well addressed by Dhavalikar, who also reminded those present to file ‘objection letters’ to the special land acquisition officer, National Highways, PWD, Altinho-Panaji, before November 3.